Treponema Immobilization Test
Treponema
Immobilization
Immunization with Treponema pallidum outer membrane vesicles induces high-titer complement-dependent treponemicidal activity and aggregation of T. pallidum rare outer membrane proteins (TROMPs). (1/37)
The purpose of this study was to determine whether immunization with purified outer membrane vesicles (OMV) from Treponema pallidum (T.p. ) could elicit Abs capable of killing this organism. It is well established that the immunization of rabbits or mice with killed T.p. or with recombinant T.p. Ags has failed to generate serum killing activity comparable with that of infection-derived immunity. Because of the small amount of T.p. OMV obtainable, a single mouse was immunized with purified OMV. The mouse anti-OMV serum and infection-derived immune rabbit serum (IRS) were compared by reactivities on two-dimensional T.p. immunoblots and by the T.p. immobilization test, a complement-dependent killing assay. Whereas IRS detected >40 Ags, the anti-OMV serum identified only 6 Ags corresponding to proteins identified previously in the outer membrane. T.p. immobilization testing showed that IRS had a 100% killing titer of 1:44 and a 50% killing titer of 1:662. By comparison, the mouse anti-OMV serum had a significantly greater 100% killing titer of 1:1,408 and a 50% killing titer of 1:16,896. Absorption of the anti-OMV serum to remove Ab against outer membrane-associated lipoproteins did not change the 100% killing titer. Freeze-fracture analysis of T.p. incubated in IRS or anti-OMV serum showed that T.p. rare membrane-spanning outer membrane proteins were aggregated. This is the first demonstration of high-titer killing Abs resulting from immunization with defined T.p. molecules; our study indicates that the targets for these Abs are T. p. rare outer membrane proteins. (+info)Treponema pallidum surface immunofluorescence assay for serologic diagnosis of syphilis. (2/37)
A surface immunofluorescence assay (SIFA) using live spirochetes was analyzed and compared with Western blot (WB), fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS), microhemagglutination (MHA-TP), and Treponema pallidum immobilization (TPI) assays for detecting serum antibodies to T. pallidum in patients with syphilis, in disease controls, and in healthy subjects. SIFA and WB were 99% sensitive (99 of 100 positive specimens) and specific (140 of 140 negative specimens); FTA-ABS showed a sensitivity and a specificity of 90 and 89% (90 of 100 positive and 125 of 140 negative specimens), respectively. MHA-TP showed a sensitivity of 84% (84 of 100 positive specimens) and a specificity of 98.5% (138 of 140 negative specimens). Finally, TPI had a sensitivity of 52% (52 of 100 positive specimens) and a specificity of 100% (140 of 140 negative specimens). The T. pallidum SIFA was therefore highly specific, showing no equivocal reactivities with control sera, and sensitive. The results suggest the possible use of SIFA as a confirmatory test in the serologic diagnosis of syphilis. (+info)Application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the serodiagnosis of syphilis. (3/37)
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, using an ultrasonicate of Treponema pallidum as antigen, has been evaluated as a serological test for syphilis. It is concluded that the test is simple, reliable, and relatively quick and that its sensitivity in all stages of syphilis is equal to the FTAABS test. Because its specificity is probably also high, ELISA might be used in future as a first-line screening test for the serodiagnosis of syphilis. (+info)The influence of different sera on the in vitro immobilisation of Percoll purified Treponema pallidum, Nichols strain. (4/37)
OBJECTIVES: Investigation of sera, especially rabbit serum, in preventing in vitro immobilisation of Percoll purified T. pallidum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The immobilisation of Percoll purified T. pallidum (Nichols) was studied after pre-incubations with basal reduced medium (BRM), heat-inactivated serum of seven different species of animals, heat-inactivated normal human serum (NHS) and rabbit sera containing a different level of antitreponemal antibodies. Also increasing percentages of heat-inactivated normal rabbit serum (NRS) were studied. RESULTS: The rapid immobilisation of purified treponemes by NHS is delayed by pre-incubation with NRS in a dose-dependent manner. The treponemes from 5-day infections were immobilised significantly more slowly than treponemes from 7- and 8-day infections. Compared with NRS, pre-incubations with a high-titred, low-titred and "autologous" serum resulted in significantly more rapid immobilisation of the treponemes. With most other animal sera resistance to immobilisation was slight compared with that produced by NRS. Immunofluorescent studies revealed that the treponemes were covered with a layer of the human third complement factor (C3b), within an hour of incubation. With two sequential pre-incubations, a delay of the immobilisation was only noted in those test mixtures in which NRS had been present in both preincubations. CONCLUSION: Rabbit serum delays the rapid in vitro immobilisation of Percoll purified treponemes by normal human serum. There was no evidence that this was caused by preventing access of antibodies (in vivo as well as in vitro) to, or preventing the activation of complement on, the treponemal surface. The evidence points to a mechanism in the fluid phase, suggesting participation of a third factor in the immobilisation process, for instance an enzyme, which can be partially inhibited by rabbit serum component(s). (+info)LIPOIDAL ANTIGEN AND TPI REACTIONS IN SERA FROM ETHIOPIA. EFFECT OF LONG-DISTANCE SERUM TRANSPORTATION ON ANTIBODIES. (5/37)
In order to evaluate results obtained in Addis Ababa with lipoidal antigen tests for syphilis on 269 human sera, and, if possible, to determine how many positive seroreactors were in fact infected with Treponema pallidum, these sera were sent by air to Copenhagen for re-examination by the VDRL, Kahn, CWRM and TPI tests.Approximately 60% of sera reactive in VDRL tests in Ethiopia were also VDRL-reactive in Copenhagen, and some 75% were TPI-reactive. As the same VDRL techniques were used in the two laboratories, the difference in reactivity is attributed to antibody loss during transport. Sera non-reactive in TPI testing but VDRL-reactive in Addis Ababa are considered to be non-treponemal, showing false positive reactions.The low rate of agreement between the Addis Ababa VDRL tests and the Copenhagen TPI tests on sera from persons under 21 years suggests that congenital syphilis is rare in Ethiopia, in confirmation of clinical findings. However, the author considers that no conclusions on the prevalence of syphilis in Ethiopia can be drawn from the over-all results of this study. (+info)SEROLOGIC DIAGNOSIS OF SYPHILIS; USE OF THE TREPONEMA PALLIDUM IMMOBILIZATION (TPI) TEST AND THE FLUORESCENT TREPONEMAL ANTIBODY (FTA) TEST. (6/37)
Comparative data from four different laboratories on the TPI and FTA tests on VDRL-reactive sera from patients with no symptoms of syphilis showed agreement of results of the FTA test with those obtained with the TPI test (the reference test) varying from 71 per cent to 112 per cent. The FTA test is complex and requires additional research before its use as a routine public health laboratory procedure can be recommended. The TPI test appears to be unequivocally the test of choice for the diagnosis of late and latent syphilis. (+info)A ONE-DAY TREPONEMA PALLIDUM IMMOBILIZATION TEST. (7/37)
The author has previously shown that the addition of egg-white lysozyme to the reaction mixture used in the Treponema pallidum immobilization test (TPI test) can reduce the time required for immobilization from 18 hours to as little as 6 hours. This opened up the possibility of developing a one-day TPI test and of further simplifying the procedure, as the conditions do not need to be so strictly controlled to ensure survival of the treponemes for the shorter time. In this paper it is shown that the standard procedure of incubation under an atmosphere of nitrogen and carbon dioxide can be replaced by incubation under a layer of liquid paraffin. The survival of treponemes is satisfactory under these conditions and the oil technique does not alter the sensitivity of the 6-hour test with added lysozyme. Comparative tests using the standard procedure, the lysozyme-gas technique and the lysozyme-oil technique showed that both modifications give the same degree of sensitivity and specificity after incubation for 6 hours as does the standard method. The feasibility of introducing these modifications into routine laboratory practice is discussed. (+info)IMMUNITY IN EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS. 3. ATTENUATION OF VIRULENT TREPONEMA PALLIDIUM BY GAMMA-IRRADIATION. (8/37)
Miller, James N. (University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles). Immunity in experimental syphilis. III. Attenuation of virulent Treponema pallidum by gamma-irradiation. J. Bacteriol. 90:297-301. 1965.-Virulent, freshly isolated cells of Treponema pallidum strain Nichols suspended in a 50% rabbit serum-saline solution and exposed to a gamma-irradiation dosage of 652,800 r were rendered noninfectious without apparent loss of motility or change in observable morphological and staining characteristics. Although 5 x 10(7) gamma-irradiated organisms failed to elicit an immobilizing antibody response in rabbits, the same organisms retained their capacity to react with classical T. pallidum-immobilizing antibody. (+info)The Treponema pallidum Immunity (TPI) test, also known as the Treponema immobilization test, is not a commonly used diagnostic tool in modern medicine. It was previously used as a serological test to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum, the spirochete bacterium that causes syphilis.
In this test, a sample of the patient's serum is incubated with a suspension of live Treponema pallidum organisms. If the patient has antibodies against T. pallidum, these antibodies will bind to the organisms and immobilize them. The degree of immobilization is then observed and measured under a microscope.
However, this test has largely been replaced by more sensitive and specific serological tests such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay. These tests are able to detect both IgG and IgM antibodies, providing information on both past and current infections. The TPI test, on the other hand, is less specific and may produce false-positive results in individuals who have been vaccinated against other treponemal diseases such as yaws or pinta.
Therefore, the Treponema Immobilization Test is not a widely used or recommended diagnostic tool for syphilis in current medical practice.
"Treponema pallidum" is a species of spiral-shaped bacteria (a spirochete) that is the causative agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. The bacterium is very thin and difficult to culture in the laboratory, which has made it challenging for researchers to study its biology and develop new treatments for syphilis.
The bacterium can infect various tissues and organs in the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can affect multiple systems, including the skin, bones, joints, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. The infection can be transmitted through sexual contact, from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.
Syphilis is a serious disease that can have long-term health consequences if left untreated. However, it is also curable with appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as penicillin. It is important to diagnose and treat syphilis early to prevent the spread of the infection and avoid potential complications.
Treponema is a genus of spiral-shaped bacteria, also known as spirochetes. These bacteria are gram-negative and have unique motility provided by endoflagella, which are located in the periplasmic space, running lengthwise between the cell's outer membrane and inner membrane.
Treponema species are responsible for several important diseases in humans, including syphilis (Treponema pallidum), yaws (Treponema pertenue), pinta (Treponema carateum), and endemic syphilis or bejel (Treponema pallidum subspecies endemicum). These diseases are collectively known as treponematoses.
It is important to note that while these bacteria share some common characteristics, they differ in their clinical manifestations and geographical distributions. Proper diagnosis and treatment of treponemal infections require medical expertise and laboratory confirmation.
Immobilization is a medical term that refers to the restriction of normal mobility or motion of a body part, usually to promote healing and prevent further injury. This is often achieved through the use of devices such as casts, splints, braces, slings, or traction. The goal of immobilization is to keep the injured area in a fixed position so that it can heal properly without additional damage. It may be used for various medical conditions, including fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries. Immobilization helps reduce pain, minimize swelling, and protect the injured site from movement that could worsen the injury or impair healing.
Treponemal infections are a group of diseases caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. This includes syphilis, yaws, bejel, and pinta. These infections can affect various organ systems in the body and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
1. Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection that can also be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. It is characterized by sores (chancres) on the genitals, anus, or mouth, followed by a rash and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as damage to the heart, brain, and nervous system.
2. Yaws: A tropical infection that is spread through direct contact with infected skin lesions. It primarily affects children in rural areas of Africa, Asia, and South America. The initial symptom is a painless bump on the skin that eventually ulcerates and heals, leaving a scar. If left untreated, it can lead to disfigurement and destruction of bone and cartilage.
3. Bejel: Also known as endemic syphilis, this infection is spread through direct contact with infected saliva or mucous membranes. It primarily affects children in dry and arid regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The initial symptom is a painless sore on the mouth or skin, followed by a rash and other symptoms similar to syphilis.
4. Pinta: A tropical infection that is spread through direct contact with infected skin lesions. It primarily affects people in rural areas of Central and South America. The initial symptom is a red or brown spot on the skin, which eventually turns into a scaly rash. If left untreated, it can lead to disfigurement and destruction of pigmentation in the skin.
Treponemal infections can be diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as penicillin, which can cure the infection if caught early enough. However, untreated treponemal infections can lead to serious health complications and even death.
Treponema denticola is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that belongs to the genus Treponema. It is commonly found in the oral cavity and is associated with periodontal diseases such as chronic periodontitis. T. denticola is one of the "red complex" bacteria, which also includes Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, that are strongly associated with periodontal disease. These bacteria form a complex biofilm in the subgingival area and contribute to the breakdown of the periodontal tissues, leading to pocket formation, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss if left untreated.
T. denticola has several virulence factors, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS), proteases, fimbriae, and endotoxins, that allow it to evade the host's immune system and cause tissue damage. It can also modulate the host's immune response, leading to a chronic inflammatory state that contributes to the progression of periodontal disease.
In addition to its role in periodontal disease, T. denticola has been linked to several systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between T. denticola and these conditions.
Treponema pallidum
